family had worshiped at the same catholic church was on the level hit by the first airplane in the twin towers. and understanding the nature of the attack against the united states at that time, i felt a strong urging to once again be involved in public service. and that was the genesis of my decision when the opportunity presented it self several years later to return to this body. that was the compelling reason. i was privileged to be appointed to the homeland security committee, the permanent homeland security committee. and i was privileged to serve as chairman of one of the subcommittees. and since that time i have been privileged to continue to serve on that committee as well as serve on the house judiciary committee where we had responsibility for, among other things, the patriot act and fisa, the foreign intelligence surveillance act. both of which were, in my judgment, and are in my judgment essential to our response to the threat that existed at the time of their cession and the -- creation and the threat that remains. one of the ironies of my service is that i am elected from